Dimitar Berbatov has recalled how popular horse racing was among the Manchester United players during his time at the club.
The Bulgarian joined United from Tottenham in 2008 for just over £30m, and amid Manchester City’s interest, he famously said he never considered a move to the blue side of Manchester.
This instantly endeared Berbatov to the United faithful, while his contribution of 56 goals across his 149 appearances for the club certainly didn’t hinder his popularity, either.
Berbatov would spend four years with United before sealing a move to Fulham in 2012, but he’s now cast his mind back to his time with the club.
The Cheltenham Gold Cup is on Friday, the feature race of the festival, and Berbatov told Betfair just how much United’s players loved horse racing, including Sir Alex Ferguson.
“I went to the horse racing when I was at United with all the boys," Berbatov said. "I know people really enjoy it and people find it fascinating, I respect it and it's a massive sport.
“At United, I was in the dressing room with Sir Alex, who has a stable of horses and Michael Owen, who has a stable of horses and they were talking about racing all the time!
“All the players in the changing room were sharing tips with Sir Alex.
“Wayne Rooney, John O'Shea and Darren Fletcher used to own a horse together, I never paid much attention to their tips because I didn't know what they were talking about.
“It was like they were talking alien to me, so don't ask for my Cheltenham tips!"
United’s players have been regularly spotted enjoying social days out at the racing in recent years, with trips to Cheltenham and Chester racecourse often on the agenda.
